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WMD SRILANKA TOURS

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WMD SRILANKA TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

WMD SRILANKA TOURS

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WMD SRILANKA TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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WMD SRILANKA TOURS

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WMD SRILANKA TOURS (Dambulla, Sri Lanka): Hours, Address - Tripadvisor

Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Travel Guide

• 1 How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost?
• 2.1 Historical Sites and Temples
• 2.2 Wildlife Safaris
• 2.3 Beaches
• 3 Flights to Sri Lanka
• 4 Accommodation
• 5 Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 Weeks
• 6 Sri Lanka Itinerary: 3-4 Weeks
• 7 When to Go
• 8 Eating and Drinking
• 9.1 Public Buses
• 9.3 Tuk Tuks
• 9.4 Use PickMe
• 10.1 Trails, Hiking, and Longer Treks
• 10.2 Swimming and Surfing
• 10.3 Kitesurfing
• 10.4 Wildlife Safaris
• 11.1 Related

I grew up in Kandy, the country’s hill capital. In the last three years, I've decided to explore the tiny corners of my island. I’ve peeped my head out of train windows uncountable times, solved riddles of an 8-year-old in a small mountain village in Nanu Oya, and have befriended dogs who have guided me to mountain tops. And now, I’m putting all of my “local knowledge” into this ultimate travel guide to Sri Lanka.

How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost?

Let me cut to the chase. It depends on your traveling style. If you are the kind of traveler who wants to sip Ceylon tea while being pampered in a vintage tea bungalow in Nuwara Eliya (which we apparently named Little England) on a dime, then Sri Lanka is not the ultimate budget destination for you.

While Sri Lanka is comparatively a “cheaper” destination to travel to, it’s not as cheap as neighboring India, Nepal , Tibet , or Southeast Asia.

If you are the kind of traveler who stays in homestays, hostels, mingles with locals, uses public transport and eats local food, then it’s absolutely possible to travel in Sri Lanka with $30 a day . However, adding a bit more comfort (using taxis often and having your coffee fix at mid-range cafes) plus activity entrance prices, then a budget of $50 a day would be more realistic.

Historical Sites and Temples

The cultural triangle – made of the three major historical cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy – are often frequented by history buffs. However, inside the triangle, there lies a plethora of lesser-known historical sites deserving of a visit.

Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya is named as the 8th World Wonder, though the entrance fee of $30 USD is putting many budget travellers off. Lion’s Rock is an architectural masterpiece, and if you are a history buff, you can't miss this place. Nearby Pidurangala Rock has become Instagram-famous over the years. Pidurangala offers stunning views with Lion’s Rock as the backdrop, and the 1-hour hike to the top is totally worth it. A three-hour drive from Dambulla is Yapahuwa, the 4th kingdom of Sri Lanka. The citadel is built on a granite rock, rising about 100 meters from the surrounding lowlands in Kurunegala District. While rock inscriptions of Ritigala Monastery are quintessential storytellers of the bygone era, Jathika Namal Uyana is Sri Lanka’s largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain in Asia. The rosy  tones of the quartz are slowly fading away with time, so now is the time to go.

Ambekke, Lankatilake, and Gadaladeniya temples close to Kandy are slowly opening up to tourists. The gigantic Buddha statue of Aukana and Buduruwagala in Wellawaya are fascinating sites to behold. Easily reached by nearby towns of Dikwella and Tangalle, Mulkirigala is another ancient rock temple which has become popular over the years.

The island is also home to a few world-famous Hindu temples. Devotees from all around the world flock to Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya and Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna when Hindu festivals and ceremonies are taking place.

Wildlife Safaris

If seeing wildlife is on your list of things to do in Sri Lanka, avoid visiting unethical wildlife “conservation” centers such as Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and unauthorized turtle hatcheries. Instead, consider visiting a national park to see wild animals in their natural habitats. Yala, Udawalawe, and Kaudulla have become insanely crowded over the years. But don’t lose hope – Sri Lanka has 26 national parks to explore.

Kumana National Park, located south of Arugam Bay, offers an amazing safari experience. The park is home to elephants, wild boars, foxes, peacocks and many other species of birds. In Gal Oya National Park, you can go on a boat safari to spot wild elephants hang out in Senanayaka Samudraya, the largest tank in Sri Lanka. For an unforgettable marine life viewing experience, head to Pigeon Island in Trincomalee. Be warned though, during peak season (April – August), it does get crowded. While Bundala is a paradise for birdwatchers, Maduru Ganga National Park is one of the lesser-known wildlife destinations in Sri Lanka. The jungle-clad lowlands here offer stunning landscapes and a quieter place to see elephants in their natural habitats.  

Being an island nation, there are countless beautiful beaches to choose from, many of which you'll never find in a guidebook. Here are some top choices from a local:

South Coast

• Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna Hikkaduwa: Immensely popular beaches, but very crowded, especially during the peak tourist season.
• Hiriketiya, Thalalla, Dikwella, Tangalle: Secluded beach villages. Check out Goyambokka, Rekawa, and Gurupokuna beach.

North Coast

Aptly named for the Casuarina trees that decorate the beach, Casuarina Beach in Karainagar is a popular option among the Northerners

Nilaveli , Uppuveli , and Arugam Bay are popular east coast options, however, Komari Beach (16 kilometers north of Potuvil) and beaches in Oluvil offer more authentic experiences

South of Kalpitiya is a small fishing village named Kappalady , home to a long sandbank and turquoise blue waters. You’ll likely see not a soul in sight.

Flights to Sri Lanka

Most flights arrive in Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB ) in Katunayake, an hour’s drive from Colombo if you use the expressway. When searching for flights, use Skyscanner to conduct a broad search (select “Entire Month” if you don’t have fixed dates to visualize the cheapest dates to fly).

SriLankan Airlines offer flights to Colombo from many destinations across the world, including a direct journey from Melbourne. If you are in South East Asia, AirAsia offers cheap flights to Sri Lanka, and Kuala Lumpur to Colombo has been the cheapest option over the years. Flights from Southern Indian cities (Chennai, Madurai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Bangalore) are common travel routes to Sri Lanka. Currently, IndiGo Airlines offers the cheapest flights to Sri Lanka from a number of Indian cities.

Accommodation

Sri Lanka has a wide range of accommodation options from luxe hotels to local-run homestays. While many luxury boutique hotels are priced at $200-400 USD, a private room in a typical luxury hotel normally begins at $100. Cinnamon Hotels and Jetwing Hotels are two popular luxury accommodation options. Check HotelsCombined , which compares prices of both hotels and hostels across a variety of booking sites.

Hostels are priced anywhere between $8-20 USD. Backpack hostels are often found in major cities and touristy areas such as Colombo , Kandy , Galle , Unawatuna and Ella . Hangover Hostels is one of the popular hostel chains on the island with four hostels in Colombo , near Airport , Ella and in Mirissa . Clock Inn , a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s backpack culture has a chic, modern hostel in the heart of Kandy. Pedlar’s Inn is the go-to place for budget travelers in Galle. In far-less-touristy areas, budget travelers can opt for local-run homestays and expect to pay anything over $15 USD.

AirBNB is quite popular in Sri Lanka, but is usually pricier than hostels and homestays (you can get $40 USD off your first Airbnb trip with this coupon ). Apart from these options, there are many beachside cabana style accommodation options and eco-friendly tree houses in the wild. Back of Beyond offers an amazing, eco-friendly experience in several offbeat locations in Sri Lanka and their properties usually begins at $100 USD a night.  

Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 Weeks

To get an overall feel of Sri Lanka, one month is a good time. While slow travelers love to stay for 2-3 months, those who don’t have much time come for two weeks. This sample itinerary highlights what you can do and see in Sri Lanka in 2 weeks.

• Day 1 : Arrive in Colombo. Explore Colombo’s street food scene at Galle Face Green .
• Day 2 : Board the early morning train to Kandy and spend the rest of the day exploring. Go off the tourist trail to Bahirawakanda Temple and Udawattakele Sanctuary .
• Day 3 : Day trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range and Pitawala Pathana . One needs to use private transport, and renting a car, tuk tuk, or a van costs 7000 LKR ($45 USD) from Kandy. You’ll come across some of the most fascinating landscapes on the island. Along the way, stop by Bambara Kiri Ella Falls .
• Day 4 : Board the train to Nuwara Eliya. The train journey usually takes 3-4 hours. Nuwara Eliya has a relatively cooler, wet climate. Go for a walk in Nuwara Eliya town.
• Day 5 : Take a trek in Horton Plains National Park (you can instantly book a tour with transport on Viator ). Start early morning and reach the park by 6.30 AM to avoid the crowds. The walking trail there usually takes 4 hours.
• Day 6 : Board the early morning train to Ella. Go to Nine Arch Bridge in the evening ( this tour will take you there as well as Little Adam's Peak) and get a gist of the mountain town. Relax at one of the cafes.
• Day 7-8 : Explore Ella — Climb Little Adam’s Peak ( book a tour here ), Ella Rock, and explore waterfalls (Diyaluma Falls, Ravana Falls, Dunhinda Falls).
• Day 9 : Ella-Wellawaya-Tangalle: Board the bus to Wellawaya town from Ella. From there, you can board the bus to Tangalle
• Day 10 : Beach day! Hire a scooter and explore hidden beaches. Talalla, Dikwella, and Hiriketiya are some of the most spectacular spots. Towards Matara is Dondra, where Dondra Head Lighthouse is located on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka.
• Day 11 : Day trip to Udawalawe National Park .
• Day 12 : Beach day! Today is your day to soak up the tropical sun. Taste amazing local food, sip some arrack (the local spirit), and chill in seaside cafes.
• Day 13 : Bus to Galle. The journey usually takes 2-3 hours. Explore Galle Fort . Stay overnight in Galle.
• Day 14 : Board the train to Colombo. Take another train to Katunayake or the highway bus to the airport. Fly out.

Sri Lanka Itinerary: 3-4 Weeks

If you are coming to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks, consider heading to Jaffna (3 nights), Anuradhapura (2 nights) and Sigiriya (2 nights) before heading to Kandy and the highlands. Jaffna is relatively new to tourism. Northern Sri Lanka has a unique culture of their own and the cuisine is entirely different. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Point Pedro (the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka), Casuarina Beach, Jaffna Fort, Nainativu Island, Delft Island are some of the must-visit places in and around Jaffna. If you have 4 weeks, consider exploring the East Coast or Kalpitiya (if you love kitesurfing) for a week.  

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. December to April is considered the high season. December and January are the peak months with relatively pleasant weather throughout the island, but expect chilly mornings and nights in hill towns such as Nuwara Eliya. The end of March to April is hot. Unbearably hot. Sri Lankan weather, however, is unpredictable. You are likely to have downpours in April evenings.

December to May marks the Adam’s Peak pilgrimage season. May arrives with monsoons, where several parts of the island are susceptible to frequent flooding every year. However, if you plan well, traveling in monsoons is a beautiful experience itself. While the northwest monsoons run from May-September, the beginning of April commences the east coast season, which runs till September. During this season, the east coast turns into a surfers’ paradise. August sees a rise in tourists due to Kandyan Perehera (a local festival held annually in Kandy). October to November doesn’t see many crowds, but it is in fact a perfect time to travel around the island.

Eating and Drinking

In Sri Lanka, eating out is cheap provided you stick to family-run restaurants, street food stalls, and hole-in-the-wall eateries. International cuisine such as Italian, French, or Bavarian will never have the authentic taste, but will be a Sri Lankan version. Your best bet is to stick to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. 

While a few upscale restaurants serve authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in Colombo, I always find home-cooked meals in family-run restaurants to be the most delicious ones. Not only will you get a locals experience, but you'll also support the communities directly this way. Sri Lankan cuisine is punchy, red, and spicy. Most restaurant staff, even in rural areas, will ask you whether you like spice or not. In small places, a hearty meal will only cost you 200 LKR ($1.3 USD) but, the same meal will cost you $30 USD in an upscale restaurant.

If you are up for a drink, go for a Lion beer, the country’s own. A beer is usually 2-3 American dollars. Arack – distilled from nectar drawn from the coconut flower – is the Sri Lankan specialty, and best-consumed as a sundowner mixed with lime juice and king coconut juice.

Rice & curry is Sri Lanka’s staple meal. String hoppers (steamed rice flour in a noodle-like form) are widely available in family-run restaurants for breakfast and dinner. Koththu is Sri Lanka’s heartbeat, a dish that perfectly reflects the ordinary middle-class man’s lifestyle. Koththu is a mixture of flatbread, fresh vegetables, eggs and any meat of your choice – chicken, beef, mutton and seafood being most common. Making koththu is chaotic, noisy, and interesting to watch. All the ingredients are added to a heated metal sheet and further cut up using two metal blades. The chopping can be heard from miles afar. Snacks such as vadai (tiny fritters made of lentils) are often found in makeshift stalls and mobile carts on the roads. You’ll also meet plenty of vadai and banda iringu (corn on the cob) vendors on long-distance buses and trains.

Transportation

Public Buses

Although somewhat uncomfortable, Sri Lanka has an efficient bus network, and buses (and trains) are recommended for long distances. Ordinary buses can feel quite hectic to use. Private buses, while nicer, play loud music throughout the journey. Some routes are covered by more comfortable, air-conditioned Volvo services. If your journey takes more than 7 hours, board an overnight bus to save time and money spent on accommodation. Some Volvo and ordinary buses to outstations can be booked online via busbooking.lk and busseat.lk . 

Trains cannot be booked online apart from a few online travel agents who charge twice the price or more. Except for long weekends and school holidays which fall on April, August, and December, you will always find a seat on long distance trains. Just turn up the same day of your journey at the station and buy your tickets! If you want to pre-book your seats, go to Colombo Fort Railway Station on the day you arrive and reserve your seats.

Tuk tuks are auto rickshaws. They are frequently used for shorter journeys (1km – 10km). In Colombo, most tuk tuks have meters. Make sure your tuk has a meter before you board it to avoid scams. Agree on the price before you start your journey in outstations. The current standard rate for 1 km is 60 LKR (40 American cents).

As someone who lives in Colombo, I’m grateful to have PickMe . PickMe is a local alternative to Uber and functions better than Uber in Sri Lanka (yes, Uber is available here. Get a discount off of your first ride using our coupon ). The great thing about PickMe is that they have tuk tuks in their platform. For journeys longer than 2 km, it always works out a lot cheaper than taking a random tuk tuk on the streets. PickMe is available as a downloadable App. They also have a very responsive Twitter profile, but unfortunately, PickMe is currently only available in Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, and Galle city limits.

Trails, Hiking, and Longer Treks

The entirety of Sri Lanka is green… for now. Sadly, much of the country is swiftly clear-cutting jungle tracts to build skyscrapers. Day hikes are quickly becoming popular amongst travelers, especially in mountain villages such as Ella and Haputale. Some of the most picture-worthy scenery requires a bit of trekking, and it’s advised to hire a guide. Railway treks are quite popular, especially in the upcountry. Just keep an eye out for the occasional train.

Swimming and Surfing

Mirissa and Weligama in the South Coast and Arugam Bay in the East Coast are some of the world-class surf points of Sri Lanka. If you dream of having a whole beach to yourself, hire a scooter (usually only around 10 USD per day) and drive along the south coast. You will discover secluded beaches with soft, powdery sand and blue waters entirely to yourself.

Kitesurfing

Did you know that Kalpitiya Peninsula and Mannar are some of the world’s top kitesurfing spots? The peak season runs between the summer months of May – October while December – March is the shoulder season. Head to hidden villages such as Kappalady in Kalpitiya Peninsula to avoid the crowds. On the other hand, Mannar rarely gets any visitors. It’s slowly opening up to tourism after the Civil War, which ended in 2009.

As mentioned earlier, safaris cost a few bucks, but the price is worth it in exchange for a fully immersive (and ethical) wildlife experience. The prices are usually for the whole jeep/vehicle, and if you are a couple or a single traveler, it might be wise to team up with fellow travelers to split costs. A jeep usually costs anywhere between 3000 – 4000 LKR ($19 – $25 USD) for a safari in a popular national park such as Kaudulla or Yala . Keep in mind that this is only the price for the vehicle. You have to buy separate tickets for each person at the entrance as well.

Alternatively, you can browse safaris with photos/reviews and book instantly online at Viator . This saves you the hassle of finding tours in person or making phone calls back and forth. Many of these tours include the entrance fees for the parks and pickup from your hotel/hostel, so read the fine print to be sure of what is included, as these tours can often be the best value.

Safari prices and entrance fees for major historical attractions in Sri Lanka can be a little expensive (40 – 70 USD) but beaches come at no cost. And they are mostly never labeled as “crowded.”

The Thrifty Gist

• Based on your style of travel, Sri Lanka can be either a cheap or an expensive destination. If you travel like a local, there’s a drastic reduction in the costs.
• Use HotelsCombined to compare prices of both hotels and hostels, and Airbnb for homestays. Search “entire month” in the date field of Skyscanner to find the cheapest time to fly.
• Use PickMe to book tuk tuks and taxis in Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, and Galle city limits.
• Trains can be booked only at the station. Unless you board the train on weekends and during school holidays, which fall on the months of April, August, and December, booking ahead is not needed. Turn up at the station and buy your tickets.
• The best local food is often found in local restaurants and homestays.
• Sri Lanka’s pristine beaches come at no price. Most hikes and treks cost nothing or just a small fee. Safaris and major tourist attractions can be a little expensive for budget travellers, but offer an unforgettable trip experience.
• Many safaris and tours can be booked online instantly with Viator . Check the fine print on each tour, as often transport and park fees are included, making a tour better value and less hassle than going yourself.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka: Month by Month Breakdown

In recent years, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the best tourist destinations in Asia, because this small island nation off the southern edge of India has an incredible wealth of diversity.

You can explore biodiverse forests and wetlands, go on safari in search of elephants or leopards, or whale watching along the extensive coastline.

There are glorious beaches, colonial ruins and ancient cities waiting to be explored.

But it’s important to know the best time to visit Sri Lanka because while the country’s southern location near the equator ensures that it enjoys warm temperatures all year round, you need to be wary of the monsoons. 

Different parts of the country are hit at different times of the war by prevailing monsoons that bring with them wind and rain.

The north and eastern coast is hit between November and March, while the south and west coast are hit between April and September.

Luckily though, that means that there’s always a great place to visit any time of the year in Sri Lanka. To help you plan your trip, here’s our month by month breakdown on the best time to visit Sri Lanka. 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Travel Guide)

Table of Contents

January in Sri Lanka 

January is a great time to be in the southwest of Sri Lanka because this part of the country is dry and the weather is wonderfully pleasant – it’s not humid and it’s not too hot. 

The days are remarkably sunny and there are few clouds in the sky, but of course, with optimal temperatures, comes peak tourist season. 

Those temperatures range between 20 and 30 degrees depending on your location, which draws in many winter sun-seekers from across the northern hemisphere too. 

January might be the best time to visit Sri Lanka, but everyone else will have the same idea too, especially in the southwest which is the tourist hot spot. 

Yaks National Park is one d the most popular destinations in January, and it’s worth the higher costs and busier tracks because you’ll be able to see a wealth of wildlife in the wilderness. 

The animals are easy to spot in the dry season, and you’ll be able to find elephants, leopards and perhaps even a sloth. 

February in Sri Lanka

February is also the best time to visit Sri Lanka to explore the south and west coasts too, but these sides of the island are rain-free. 

The north and east coasts, on the other hand, are right now being lashed with heavy rain and storms from the prevailing monsoon. 

February is busy in the south though, but the weather is beautiful. Head to Marissa, along the coast, where you can enjoy fantastic white sand beaches and sit under swaying palm trees in a tropical idyll. 

Mirissa is a great destination for whale watching and dolphin spotting and February is the perfect time to be there.

This is the middle of the whale watching season here, which runs from November through to April, and concludes with the dry season.

March in Sri Lanka

March is the last month of the dry season in the southwest before the monsoon winds arrive bringing with them rainstorms for the next half of the year. 

This is your last opportunity to enjoy the southwest at its best because the weather is hot but the humidity has yet to arrive. 

Again, head to Mirissa for the whale and dolphin tours, or explore Yala National Park to see the flora and fauna.

While Yala might be dry, and the scenery isn’t that great to look at, the wildlife is easy to spot because of the lack of greenery.

As watering holes empty, the animals will congregate around particular areas where they can find water and hence they’ll be easier to find when on safari.

April in Sri Lanka

April is still a good time to visit the southwest beaches, even as the monsoon begins to arrive along the coast. 

It’s still sunny and temperatures are climbing ever higher, so you can spend your days lazing on the beaches. 

It’s a good time for wildlife spotting too, so head to the national parks for some safari adventures. 

Temperatures can be high in April though, so you might want to consider heading inland and into the more mountainous regions.

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to see iconic highland destinations such as Ella or Kandy and to rise the famous picturesque terrain into the Central Highlands.

At higher elevations, you’ll escape the worst of the April heat, and did some great hiking spots and tea plantations to visit.

May in Sri Lanka

May is when the southwest monsoon really begins to hit home and this is a month when the low season begins in Sri Lanka. 

But while the tourist destinations in the south and west might be rainy and wet, it’s a different story in the north.

In fact, this is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to explore the northeast coast, where you’ll find a dry climate and hot and sunny days as the monsoon ended weeks ago here.

Visit Trincomalee to enjoy the beaches of the east coast and to see the whales as they migrate here.

If you want to escape the heat, then head into the highlands, although be prepared for a few rain showers here too.

June in Sri Lanka

June is still low season across Sri Lanka because the monsoon is ravaging the south and west and temperatures across the country are at their highest. 

If you visit in June, you’ll get some bargains on flights and accommodation, but you’ll want to stay as far north as you can to escape the rains and the heat. 

July in Sri Lanka

The low season trend continues through July, as the rain cause havoc along the southwest coastlines. 

Again, head north and get off the beaten track as you’ll find a wealth of intriguing destinations to discover in the dry and sunny parts of the country.

Explore ancient cities or go whale watching along the coast and see a part of Sri Lanka that few tourists ever make the effort to visit, at a time when there are few tourists anywhere in the country.

August in Sri Lanka

August is still low season across Sri Lanka however the extremely high summer temperatures are starting to lower and actually, the monsoon in the southwest begins to calm down. 

While there will be rain, it’s not quite so fierce, and the northeast still remains totally dry. 

This is a great month for safari, because in Minneriya National Park the animals are all gathered at the watering holes, and it’s a famed time to see the herds of elephants as they move across the plains. 

In Yala National Park in the youth, the lighter rains make the park more accessible while the flora is at its most extant and green, after the heavy monsoons.

It’s a lovely time to explore this part of Sri Lanka, as most tourists will only ever experience safaris in the dry season.

September in Sri Lanka

The east coast is on top form in September, because while the southwest still experiences rainfall and the north is beginning to be hit by the monsoon too, places like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay at their best. 

The sun is out in force here and you can explore the long coastline and enjoy the spectacular beaches.

You’ll even catch the whales in action too, so take a tour out in search of these beautiful marine mammals. 

The east coast is still developing in terms of tourism, but now is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to see this part of the country while it’s still rustic and authentic. 

October in Sri Lanka

The southwest monsoon will be ending now, so it’s a good time to visit the more touristy parts of Sri Lanka before the high season crowds arrive. 

The weather is still hot and muggy but it’s mostly dry, and you’ll see Yala National Park as it’s resplendent with green scenery. 

The east coast is also beautiful in October and it’s the last chance to experience the beaches before the northeast monsoon hits. 

November in Sri Lanka

November is the tentative start to the high season in Sri Lanka because temperatures are lower and the climate is cooler. 

The southwest is now dry and sunny and attracting tourists, but it’s still a good time to explore before the December rush begins during the Christmas holidays. 

December in Sri Lanka

December is peak season in Sri Lanka, because Christmas and New Year holidays bring in travelers and vacation-goers from across the world, especially those looking for winter sun.

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to explore the southwest coast, as temperatures are hovering between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

It’s incredibly dry and sunny and the perfect time to be relaxing on the beaches. 

Along the southwest coast, you’ll find whales and dolphins and it’s a great time to take a boat tour.

Equally, you can just take the chance to relax and unwind in the glorious weather as you spend Christmas Day in the sunshine.

More on Sri Lanka:

• Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 Weeks to 4 Weeks
• The Most Spectacular Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
• Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya Lion Rock in Sri Lanka
• Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka: Best Sights & Travel Tips
• Best Sri Lanka Safari: 8 Park Comparison guide
• 10 Epic Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
• 9 Epic Reasons to Visit Mirissa, Sri Lanka
• Safari Guide to Kaudulla National Park
• Yala National Park Safari: Only Guide You Need
• Kumana National Park-The Only Safari Guide You Need
• 10 Sri Lanka Beaches You’d Be Foolish to Miss
• 11 Epic Reasons to Visit Arugam Bay (Spoiler: Epic Breaches!)
• Boogie Boarding in Sri Lanka

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

2 thoughts on “Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka: Month by Month Breakdown”

This is a very helpful guide. I would love to visit Sri Lanka (once all this craziness is over) and had no idea when to go. It seems there’s really pros/cons to every month, but I think August would be a perfect time for me to visit because I’d looove to see animals at the watering hole! Thanks for the guide!

Glad to hear you found our information helpful for planning your trip to Sri Lanka! You’re exactly right, the best time really depends on what your travel goals are. August is a great time for viewing wildlife! Hoping you can go this year(fingers crossed). Cheers.

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When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

Oct 29, 2023 • 6 min read

From finding the sweet spot between the monsoons, to experiencing the liveliest cultural festivals, here are the best times to visit Sri Lanka © Cavan Images / Getty Images

If anywhere deserves the title of a true year-round destination, it’s Sri Lanka .

Like neighboring Maldives , its proximity to the equator ensures pleasantly warm, stable temperatures whatever the season. Sri Lanka's annual dual monsoons mean that while one side of the country is taking a soaking, the other is primed for afternoons on the beach. 

On top of this is a calendar chock-full of festivals and holidays, offering a unique cultural highlight for visitors almost every month.

So whether you’re looking for the best time to hit the beach , spot wild elephants in a national park , hike to the summit of Adam’s Peak, or simply avoid the tourist crowds, here’s our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

December to March is the best time to hit the beach

Sri Lanka’s high season coincides with the coming of the best weather in the south and west of the country, meaning popular resorts like Hikkaduwa and Mirissa are at their most idyllic, but also busiest. However, the Maha monsoon season (October to January) keeps the East , the North, and the  Ancient Cities  wet. 

Sri Lanka is a year-round wildlife-watching destination but generally, the best times to spot elephants, leopards and buffalo align with the main November-to-April tourist season. All the big parks are open and the dry conditions mean that animals start to gather around water holes, making them easier to spot (especially between February and early April).

By December, high season is in full swing, with bathers on beaches along the south and west coast jostling for towel space. The Adam’s Peak pilgrimage season, when pilgrims of all faiths (and the odd tourist) climb the sacred summit near Ella , starts in December and lasts until mid-April.

The end of the month also sees the arrival of Christmas, which is celebrated enthusiastically by Sri Lanka’s Christian community. Followers of other faiths also join in secular events over the holidays – expect over-the-top decorations aplenty.

January sees the peak of the tourist season in Sri Lanka. Crowds may be at their largest, but fine weather in the south and west makes it an appealing time to visit the country. Additionally, many popular towns host major events during the first month of the year.

This includes Duruthu Perahera in  Colombo , a lavish festival of lights, dances, and parades to celebrate the first of Buddha’s visits to Sri Lanka. Elsewhere, Galle 's somewhat more sedate annual literary festival takes over the city's Unesco-protected fort.

Visitor numbers are still high in February, with wintering Europeans baking themselves on the beaches in the dry winter weather. This is a busy month for Sri Lankans, with Independence Day early in the month, commemorated with festivals, parades, fireworks, and sporting events across the nation.

Visitor numbers decline but the festival of Maha Sivarathri in early March (or late February) brings a flurry of activity, with Hindus commemorating the marriage of Shiva to Parvati with all-night vigils and more. It’s the most important day for Shaivites, who comprise the majority of Sri Lanka’s Hindus.

September to October and April are the best times for exploring the whole country

Squeezed between the two main monsoons, Sri Lanka’s two shoulder seasons offer the best weather right across the country, with fewer crowds and lower prices. April, however, does coincide with Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which can cause transport troubles as people move around the country.

This is a good time for trekking in the Hill Country or climbing Sigiriya , with the weather mostly dry but not as hot as in the height of summer.

September, and sometimes August, also sees 200 or more elephants group together for several weeks in one spot in Minneriya National Park . The event, known as "The Gathering" where baby elephants can be spotted too, is considered one of Asia’s great wildlife spectacles.

October can be a bit unpredictable, with the Yala monsoon fading and conditions building towards the Maha monsoon. In many areas, thunderstorms arrive in the afternoons, and rain is common, but there's still good surfing on the east coast. Make sure you add a raincoat to your list of things to pack if you're visiting in October.

Warm and dry across the majority of the country, and outside the prime tourist period, April is a great month to be in Sri Lanka. Although Christians comprise only six percent of Sri Lanka’s population, Christian festivals – including Easter, which usually falls in April – are still celebrated with gusto (don’t be surprised if you see the Easter bunny adorning a few shop windows).

A more significant event in April is Aurudu (New Year), with New Year’s Eve (April 13) and New Year’s Day (April 14) nonreligious holidays. Over the days before and after, buses and trains are jammed as people flee from big cities to home villages. 

Ramadan also tends to fall in April or May, with some Muslim-owned businesses closing during daylight hours.

May to August is the b est time to avoid the crowds

Low season in Sri Lanka starts with the coming of the Yala monsoon in May, which pounds the west and south, as well as the Hill Country, through August.

This is the best time for trips to Jaffna in the North or the chilled-out resorts along the east coast, like Arugam Bay , known for their laid-back surf scene. Accommodation prices during this period are generally lower and crowds are thinner.

Despite the Yala monsoon, many must-see festivals take place during this period. Among the best of them is Vesak Poya, a two-day festival in May where colored lights adorn every Buddhist home, shop, and temple. There's also the vibrant Esala Perahera in  Kandy , where thousands of dancers and drummers form a giant procession through the town.

The ongoing monsoon means tourist crowds are scarce through most of the country in June, with the exception of the east coast beaches that avoid the rain. Meanwhile, another major Buddhist event, the Poson Poya, gets underway.

The celebration of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka sees festivities take place in the temples of Anuradhapura , while, nearby, thousands of white-clad pilgrims ascend the calf-busting 1843 steps to Mihintale’s Dagoba.

For fans of cultural festivals, who aren’t easily disheartened by the odd downpour, July marks a good time to be in Sri Lanka. The key focal point for the country’s Buddhists this month is Esala Perahera, which begins at the end of July and lasts for 10 days.

The Kandy Esala Perahera is legendary, but smaller parades are held across Sri Lanka. Many celebrations feature dancers, drummers, and stilt-walkers who practice all year for the occasion.

Another large-scale procession takes place in Colombo as part of the Hindu celebrations of Aadi Vel, which sees the gilded chariot of Murugan (Skanda), the Hindu god of war, ceremonially hauled through the city’s streets.

August marks the last month of low season, with the rains of the Yala monsoon slowly beginning to ease. To maximize the chance of avoiding the rain, visitors should head north to Jaffna, which plays host to the enormous and spectacular Nallur Festival each August.

The event climaxes on day 24 with parades of juggernaut floats and gruesome displays of self-mutilation by entranced devotees.

Poya (full moon) days

It is worth noting that every poya (full moon) day is a holiday in Sri Lanka, and buses, trains, and accommodation fill up, especially if the full moon falls on a Friday or Monday. No alcohol is supposed to be sold on poya days and many bars close (though some hotels discreetly provide cold beer "under the table").

This article was first published Mar 12, 2021 and updated Oct 29, 2023.

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Travel Advisory September 5, 2023

Sri lanka - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to protest information. 

Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest , and terrorism.

Country Summary: Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka could erupt at any time. In some instances, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, that could turn violent with little or no warning.

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in remote areas. 

 Read the  country information page . 

 If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka: 

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues. 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities. 
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. 
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Crime and Safety Report  for Sri Lanka. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Sri Lanka.

One page required for entry stamp. 

Yellow fever vaccine is required for individuals above nine months of age who are traveling to Sri Lanka from a country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit more than 12 hours in an airport located in such a country. For more information, please refer to WHO .

Foreign currency over USD 15,000 must be declared.

If exiting with foreign currency over USD 5,000, the full amount brought in or acquired in Sri Lanka must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy colombo.

210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500 Fax: +(94) (11) 202-7345 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sri Lanka for information on U.S.- Sri Lanka relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. 

U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for purposes of tourism or transit require an approval notice from Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System), onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The ETA system is available online or at the port of entry; however, visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays at the port of entry. This travel authorization allows entry for up to 30 days.  

U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for short-term business activities such as participating in business meetings, engaging in business negotiations, or attending conferences and workshops are required to obtain a business ETA. Business ETAs are not available online. Business travelers must obtain travel authorization either from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before arrival in Sri Lanka, or at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for religious or volunteer work or for local employment must obtain entry visas from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before arrival in Sri Lanka. These visas are not available at the port of entry or through the online system.

All visitors staying beyond the expiration date of their visa must obtain a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo and pay the relevant visa fees.

Specific inquiries regarding entry and exit requirements should be addressed to the  Embassy of Sri Lanka , 3025 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington DC 20008, telephone (202) 483-4025, fax (202) 232- 2329. Contact the Sri Lankan Embassy by  e-mail ; the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Los Angeles at 3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2180, Los Angeles, CA 90010, telephone (213) 387-0210; or the  Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations  in New York City, 820 Second Avenue, 2 nd Floor, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 986-7040, fax (212) 986 1838. There are several honorary Sri Lankan consuls general and consuls in the United States. Visit the  Embassy of Sri Lanka website  for current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Sri Lanka. 

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

The last terrorist attack in Sri Lanka occurred on April 19, 2019, when terrorists carried out coordinated bombings of hotels and churches in Colombo and Batticaloa, killing more than 250 people and injuring more than 500 more. The terrorists were Sri Lankan nationals associated with the Islamic groups National Thowheeth Jama’ath Millathu Ibraheem. Authorities believe the perpetrators of the attack are dead or have been captured. Many hotels and shopping areas increased their physical security presence in response to the bombings and security screenings of guests and bags has become standard in many locations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Most crimes against U.S. citizens continue to be petty crime and crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud). There is some organized criminal activity, which can involve drug-related crimes and gang-on-gang violence, but these events do not tend to involve foreign travelers.

There are occasional reports of credit card fraud. Authorities have arrested foreign nationals and organized groups for complicity in financial crimes. Avoid situations where your card is removed from your view. There have been reports of employees at reputable businesses (e.g., restaurants or chain grocery stores) wearing data skimming devices in their clothing and scanning a victim’s credit card or using other methods to steal credit card information. ATM skimming is also a threat. If you use an ATM, be on the lookout for skimming devices. Cover keypads with your hand.

Street hustlers are common around popular hotels, shopping areas, and other tourist sites. There are occasional reports of snatch and grab theft of purses or jewelry owned by tourists, but no recent reports of armed robberies.  Beware of tuk-tuk or taxi drivers offering “special” tours or access to festivals or gem shops. This common scam often results in tourists being heavily pressured to buy “gems” that are either cut glass or are worth much less than the price being asked.

Likely due to Sri Lanka’s economic situation, there is a scam in which a tuk-tuk driver charges your ride using an app on their phone, claiming the meter is broken. When you get close to the destination, the phone either slips down or the app closes, and they charge a much higher amount than the routine cost. If a tuk-tuk does not have a meter, agree on a price before beginning the ride, and try to have the correct amount of cash so you do not need change.

Surf schools are known to run scams where they claim renters damaged their boards and demand exorbitant prices to repair the damage. Examine and take pictures of your surfboard before taking it into the water.

Sexual harassment is pervasive. Both foreigners and locals, more commonly women, report instances of cat calls and physical harassment (grabbing of body parts) while in crowded areas and/or public transportation.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Police may deploy water cannons and/or tear gas in response to violent protests.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

In general, demonstrations in Sri Lanka are peaceful, resulting only in traffic congestion. However, some have ended in violence between the protestors and police or opposition groups. Demonstrations can involve confrontations with police, resulting in the use of water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Large political rallies are common. These rallies are generally peaceful but can disrupt traffic.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams occasionally occur in Sri Lanka. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited text messages and WhatsApp messages. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating 
• Contracts with promises of large commissions 
• Work permits/job offers

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer them to the closest U.S embassy or consulate so we can assist them.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated, and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact both the tourist police (hotline: 1912 or 011-242-1451) and the U.S. Embassy (011-202-8500) for assistance. Report crimes to both the tourist police and the U.S. Embassy. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care ;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion;
• Provide a list of local attorneys ;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help arrange flights home; and
• Replace a stolen or lost passport .

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you break local laws in Sri Lanka, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what is legal and what is not where you travel. 

In places like military checkpoints, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you. When arriving in Sri Lanka, ensure your luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, such as weapons, ammunition, explosives, gold, narcotics, and pornography. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sri Lanka are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the Cultural Prosperity Act and the Antiques Ordinance, the unlicensed export of antiques from the country is considered a criminal act.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries and they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Special Circumstance : Sri Lanka recognizes limited  dual nationality . For further information, please contact the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Consulate General in Los Angeles, or the Sri Lankan Mission to the United Nations in New York City.

The Sri Lankan police and military maintain several checkpoints throughout the country. U.S. citizens are advised to always carry identification such as their passports with them while in Sri Lanka. Photography is prohibited in designated high security zones and near many government facilities such as offices and military installations.

U.S. citizens who arrive by yacht or private boat should be aware that all marine harbors are high security zones. Travelers arriving by sea should be prepared for Sri Lankan Navy officials to inspect their vessels and should always wait for radio clearance before coming into port. 

Religious Laws: Tourists should be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Buddhist or Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Posing for a photograph with your back to a statue of Buddha is a serious offense in Sri Lanka, punishable by a fine or arrest. Travelers should also be cognizant of displaying religious imagery, including tattoos of Buddha, while traveling to and transiting within the country, as foreign nationals have been arrested or denied entry to Sri Lanka due to such tattoos.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Women Travelers: If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you are encouraged to call the tourist police immediately (hotline: 1912 or 011-242-1451) and follow up with a call to the U.S. Embassy (011-202-8500). We can sometimes connect you with a non-governmental organization in Sri Lanka that may be able to provide assistance.  If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Sri Lanka. See our tips for  Women Travelers .

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers : See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Sri Lanka, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has directed that steps be taken to provide easy access for persons with disabilities to public buildings. Although there are regulations on accessibility in place, lack of wheelchair access in most buildings limits access for people with disabilities. Potholes and sidewalks in poor repair can make movement very difficult. The road network in Sri Lanka is improving, but many roads remain in medium to poor condition. Sidewalks and road crossings in most major towns tend to be congested with vendors, stray dogs, and groups of people loitering on street corners. 

Ambulance Services: For ambulance services in the Sri Lanka, dial 1990.

Ambulance services are widely available, but response times vary, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are typically not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Sri Lanka. 

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.  
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)  
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)  
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)  

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medical Facilities: There are six large hospitals in the Colombo area, including four facilities with emergency medical and trauma service: Asiri Surgical Hospital; Lanka Hospital; Asiri Central Hospital; and the government-run National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited. Hospitals and doctors typically require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. The availability of medical supplies is uneven; therefore, travelers should always carry any prescription medications with them. Serious medical conditions can require evacuation to the United States or to a nearby country with more advanced medical facilities, such as Thailand or Singapore. Neither Thailand nor Singapore require U.S. citizens to have entry visas.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Sri Lanka.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Water Quality: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Infectious Diseases: Several mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are present in Sri Lanka. Dengue fever, in particular, is widespread in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, where the capital Colombo is located. Adequate mosquito protection is strongly advised to prevent this serious illness.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended vaccines that are specific to this region include Japanese encephalitis and typhoid (and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis for some travelers).

For additional health information about Sri Lanka, please visit:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Sri Lanka, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicular traffic in Sri Lanka moves on the left (British style). Traffic in Colombo can be congested. Narrow two-lane highways, overloaded with trucks, poorly driven buses, and a variety of conveyances on the road, ranging from ox carts and bicycles to new four-wheel-drive vehicles, make driving dangerous. Unexpected roadblocks and one-way streets are common and may not be clearly marked. Many visitors hire cars and drivers for long trips through the country. Individuals who choose to hire three-wheeled vehicles (“tuks” or “three wheelers”) should use metered vehicles or negotiate prices beforehand to avoid confrontations upon arrival. If you are renting a vehicle, you should specifically request one with working seatbelts.

Heavy rains sometimes cause flooding which can make roads inaccessible for several days and bring with them the risk of landslides.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. The GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.

Public Transportation: While public buses are readily available, the U.S. Embassy does not recommend using them due to safety concerns.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Sri Lanka’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Sri Lanka, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Sri Lanka should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For Additional Travel Information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lanka: Costs, Itineraries, and Favorites

My visit to Sri Lanka — a jewel–shaped country in the Indian Ocean — was an unexpected surprise. I didn’t have a lot of expectations for the trip. But it turned out to be an amazing experience. I loved every bit of Sri Lanka: the verdant landscape, the delicious food; the crumbling, overgrown ruins; the abundant wildlife; and (especially) the welcoming locals who took hospitality to the next level .

Traveling Sri Lanka is a relatively easy thing to do. It can be a little chaotic, with overcrowded buses moving along clogged roads where lanes are mere suggestions, and trains packed to the gills with people hanging off the edges (which actually is kind of fun). But English is widely spoken so once you get used to the chaos, it isn’t too difficult to get around.

But there are a few things you should know before you visit Sri Lanka to avoid getting scammed, overspending, and, like me, missing some of the scenic trains!

Here’s my guide to visiting Sri Lanka:

Table of Contents

Sri Lanka Travel Guide: 14 Things to Know for Your Visit

Visiting sri lanka: how much does it cost, what to see and do in sri lanka: itineraries by region, where to stay in sri lanka.

Travel Tip #1: Get your visa ahead of time – You’ll need to get a visa for entry into the country. You can do this either online starting three days before you arrive, or upon arrival. It’s slightly cheaper if you do it ahead of time, plus you’ll skip the lines at the border!

Travel Tip #2: Don’t drink the water – You shouldn’t really drink the water in Sri Lanka, but as it’s really hot, you’ll want to keep hydrated. Bringing a reusable water bottle with a purifier will help you save money and avoid single use plastic in the process. ( My preferred brand is Lifestraw ).

Travel Tip #3: Eat the local food – Outside of the major cities of Colombo and Kandy, you won’t find many non-Sri Lankan or non-Indian food options. What you do find is a poor excuse for Western food that is overpriced and often a chain. Stick to the local food! It’s super delicious anyway.

Food, besides being crazy good, is also really cheap in Sri Lanka! Local food costs about 320-950 LKR for a meal of simple dishes like dosas (a kind of pancake), kottu (a dish made of roti (flatbread), vegetables, egg and/or meat, and spices), rice, chicken, and everything in between. At restaurants with table service, you’ll pay closer to 1,500-2,000 LKR.

Travel Tip #4: Don’t expect a party – There aren’t too many chances to drink alcohol in Sri Lanka. Outside the coastal tourist towns and the capital of Colombo, there isn’t much nightlife or opportunities to drink. While you can always crack a beer at your guesthouse, Sri Lanka isn’t home to a big drinking/nightlife culture. Expect your nights to be tame.

Travel Tip #5: Hire the Tuk-tuks – You can hire drivers cheaply. Any tuk-tuk driver will let you hire them for the day. Expect to pay around 10,000 LKR for the day. Moreover, tuk-tuk drivers are pretty honest, except in Colombo, where they will try to scam and overcharge you. Elsewhere in the country, you’ll get a fair deal. There’s no need to try to bargain hard.

Travel Tip #6: Take the airport bus – You’ll most likely be flying in and/or out of Colombo. The blue Colombo Express Bus is the cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport to the city center. It’s just 110 LKR (the same price as the regular bus), leaves every 30 minutes (5:30am-8:30pm), and takes about an hour. In the city, buses stop at (and leave from) Central Bus Stand, Pettah Fort, and Colombo Fort Station. Alternatively, a taxi is about 2,700 rupees.

Travel Tip #7: Travel by train – Train travel, while often slower, is the cheapest (and best) way to get around. The landscapes are beautiful, and there’s something relaxing about sitting at the window watching the country pass you by. Traveling by train lets you connect with local culture in a way that flying between destinations just won’t do (plus, Sri Lanka is so small that taking an expensive short flight doesn’t make sense). Just adjust your expectations on timeliness and speed. Don’t be in a hurry when riding the rails in Sri Lanka!

Some typical train routes and their approximate prices include:

• Colombo to Jaffna (7-8 hours): 2,250 LKR
• Jaffna to Anuradhapura (2.5-3.5 hours): 1,600 LKR
• Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (3.5-4 hours): 2,500 LKR
• Colombo to Galle (2 hours): 1,600 LKR

Travel Tip #8: Book your train in advance – If you are taking the scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Ella (or vice versa) and want a seat, book it in advance online. These tickets regularly sell out, especially in the high season. You can book starting 30 days in advance through the Sri Lankan railway’s website . Just remember to collect your physical tickets from the ticket office before departure.

Alternatively, you can always get a cramped unreserved second- or third-class ticket (where you’ll learn the new meaning of a tight squeeze) on the day of departure. The concept of “sold out” doesn’t apply to “cattle class.”

For more details on train travel in Sri Lanka, I recommend The Man in Seat 61’s guide .

Travel Tip #9: Show up early at Sigiriya – If you are visiting Sigiriya (an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s probably the most famous landmark in the country), get there when it opens at 6:30am to avoid huge lines and crowds at the site. If you are there after 10am, the crowds are so overwhelming it’s not worth visiting. It takes an hour to walk up as it’s single-file all the way!

Travel Tip #10: Plan around the monsoons – Sri Lanka is affected by two different monsoons, so if you want the best weather during your trip, you’ll want to keep monsoon season in mind. If you want to visit the beaches in the south and west, go in December-March, while April-September is best for visiting the north and east.

Travel Tip #11: Bring temple-appropriate clothing – Dress respectfully when visiting Sri Lanka’s sacred sites. That means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. You’ll also have to take your socks and shoes off before visiting temples (even if they are outdoors), so bring flip-flops to keep your socks clean!

Travel Tip #12: Day trip to Galle – Galle is only worth a day trip. Don’t stay over in the town. There is not much to do there at all. There was so little to do there I just went back to Colombo instead of staying the night. The same goes for many other towns, especially gateway towns to the national parks (more on that below).

Travel Tip #13: Don’t rush your trip – Looking at the map of Sri Lanka, you might say, “Oh, it’s not that big. I bet I can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.” You could, but you won’t “see” much. It will be too much of a blur. There is a lot to see and do in Sri Lanka and it takes a while to travel around. (For more on suggested itineraries, see below!)

Travel Tip #14: Learn a bit of history beforehand – I admittedly didn’t know much about Sri Lanka before visiting . But as I’ve said in the past, you can’t know a place if you don’t know its history. I bought a guidebook and a few books about Sri Lanka’s history, and I’m really glad I did as it deepened my understanding of the country before I even arrived.  

Sri Lanka is a cheap country to visit. Even when you splurge, it’s not that expensive. Overall, I would say you wouldn’t need more than a budget of 10,000-13,000 LKR per day. The country is very cheap, especially if you stick to delicious local or Indian cuisine (the food is so cheap there’s no reason to grocery shop and cook your own meals), avoid the overpriced Western style restaurants (local food tastes much better anyways), travel second- or third-class on trains and on buses, and don’t go crazy with the accommodation.

Even though I was on a budget, I didn’t go as low as I could have (such as staying in dorms every night, eating only Sri Lankan food, doing minimal activities, etc.) and still found it was hard to break the bank. The expensive days in which I took a tour or decided to try some fancy restaurant were balanced out on the other days I didn’t.

Here is a list of prices to help you get an idea of costs in Sri Lanka:

Typical Museum and Attraction Costs:

• National Museum in Colombo – 1,500 LKR
• Half-day tour at Yala National Park – 14,500 LKR
• Temple of the Tooth in Kandy – 2,500 LKR
• Sigiriya Rock – 9,700 LKR

Typical Food Costs:

• Bottle of water – 100 LKR
• Typical curry dish – 420-550 LKR
• Western dinner – 1,500-2,500+ LKR
• Domestic beer – 500 LKR

Typical Transportation Costs:

• Airport taxi – 2,700 LKR
• Train from Jaffna to Anuradhapura – 1,600 LKR
• Short tuk-tuk ride – 100 LKR

Where should you go in Sri Lanka? Everywhere – if you have the time! Most travelers focus on the southern half of the country, with its hiking and beach towns. After decades of war, the north has a legacy of destruction that has yet to go away.

Sri Lanka may look like a small island, there is a lot to see and do there! More than I imagined. Anuradhapura and Sigiriya both have amazing ancient ruins. Kandy is filled with hiking treks, a big Buddhist temple, and a butterfly garden. Nuwara Eliya is known for its hiking, Tissa is the gateway to Yala National Park (which has elephants and leopards), and Galle is a beautiful old Dutch fort town.

Though I originally had planned to explore only the south due to my limited time there, I was offered the opportunity to talk to a member of Parliament in Jaffna up north and learn about the Tamil war, so I rearranged my route to spend more time in the north.

I was glad I did. Seeing the north gave me an added perspective on a portion of the country without hordes of other tourists. In fact, in my time up north, I saw only four Westerners.

So…where should YOU go with so many places to explore?

I would break your Sri Lanka travels into two parts — the north/center and the south — and focus on one of those regions. There’s simply too much to do in the country and travel (buses and trains) around the country is too slow to try to cover so much ground in a limited time.

Unless you have more time, then the world is your oyster!

Southern Route (two weeks) : Colombo – Hikkaduwa – Galle – Mirissa – Tangalle – Tissa – Ella – Nuwara Eliya – Kandy – Colombo

Northern Route (two weeks) : Colombo – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Kandy – Sigiriya – Anuradhapura – Trincomalee – Jaffna – Colombo

North and South (four weeks) : Colombo – Jaffna – Trincomalee – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Tissa – Tangalle – Mirissa – Galle – Hikkaduwa – Colombo

If you have a month, you could do this entire route plus add in the coastal towns of Arugam Bay and Negombo. With two weeks, focus on either the southern coast or the central/northern areas.

One thing to know is that once you’ve done the major things in a city, there’s very little reason to stay. For example, Tissa is the gateway to Yala National Park. Tour operators run most tours in the early morning (a higher chance of seeing animals) so if you took one of those tours ( like this one offered by local tour operator Shehan Safari ), you could be on a bus moving on to your next destination by lunchtime. There’s really not much else in the town.

The same could be said with Jaffna. Tick a few boxes and then move on. Galle is more a day trip from a nearby beach town than a place to spend a few days. Sigiriya and Dambulla can be done in two nights (though I added an extra night because I liked the family I was staying with).

I’d recommend spending more time in Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Kandy, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, as those places have more activities and are worth staying longer in.  

Like everything else, accommodation in Sri Lanka is super affordable. There are a lot of cheap accommodation options throughout the country. Hostels are really basic (fan, mosquito net, electric shower) but at 2,250-3,200 LKR per dorm bed, you can’t go wrong.

Guesthouses are more plentiful and affordable, with private rooms that have an en-suite bathroom starting at 7,000 LKR USD per night. You’ll usually get breakfast with your room too.

Here are some recommendations for places to stay around the country:

• C 1 Colombo Fort (Colombo)
• Palitha Home Stay (Sigiriya)
• Jaye’s Home Stay (Kandy)
• Backpacker Galle Hostel (Galle)

Sri Lanka is an easy country to visit, and with a few tips, you can travel there with ease. This is a very budget-friendly country, even if you go nuts on the attractions and tours. I didn’t spend a lot of money, averaging just 11,500 LKR per day. (Any expensive days will be balanced out with the cheap days where you just walk around, hike, or sit on the beach!)

Sri Lanka may be small but it packs a powerful punch. Take your time to see this land of jungles, waterfalls, monkeys, delicious food, and lovely people!

Book Your Trip to Sri Lanka: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It’s my favorite search engine as it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Travel to Sri Lanka

Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a cheap and so-cheerful destination with tropical serenity that leaves visitors feeling renewed and inspired.

A paradise for the outdoorsy spirits, it’s abundant with wildlife and national parks, has world famous surfing suitable for all levels, and breathtaking beaches with superb snorkelling and diving.

Sri Lanka is also a celebration of spice with many flavourful curries and rotis - the smells alone will have your mouth watering. And tea lovers will be in heaven as it’s one of the largest tea producers in the world with the opportunity to learn how it is produced and sip high quality teas every day.

Top travel highlights include the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, the buddhist temple of Sri Dalada Maligawa, and the home to many elephants and leopards, Wilpattu National Park.

Best described as exotic from the wildlife to the culinary spices - you can be sure any trip in Sri Lanka will be an unforgettable venture!

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due to the threat of public demonstrations, shortages of some imported medicines and security risks. 

Sri Lanka (PDF 204.19 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

In Colombo, you can also call (+94 11) 269 1111.

Call 118 or 119 or go to your local police station.

Tourist police

Call (+94 11) 242 1052 or (+94 11) 238 2209.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka.

• Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka and may become violent. Avoid areas impacted by demonstrations. Demonstrations can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transport. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates. 
• Public emergencies can be declared, and curfews imposed at short notice. Carry relevant travel and identification documents with you at all times. 
• There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attack in Sri Lanka.   Terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and/or visited by tourists .
• There are shortages of some medicines in Sri Lanka. 
• Always carry travel and identification documents. Allow additional time to clear security checks, especially at airports.
• There are marked and unmarked minefields and unexploded weapons in the Northern Province and parts of the Eastern Province. Stay on the main roads. Pay close attention to landmine warning signs.
• Crime, including sexual assault, harassment and robbery, can occur. If you're travelling alone, arrange travel through a reputable company.
• Scams and fraud are common, including credit card fraud, overcharging and fake goods. Be alert to fake goods, especially jewellery and gems. Check your bank statements often.
• Flooding and landslides occur during the monsoon season, from December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Be prepared to change your travel plans.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Dengue fever is a risk in Sri Lanka, with increased cases during the monsoon season. Use mosquito repellent. If you have a fever, seek medical help.
• Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis. Use mosquito and insect repellent. Get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis before you travel.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include typhoid, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Rabies is present in dogs, monkeys and bats.
• Medical services in Colombo are below Australian standards. Outside Colombo, they're limited. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. Import delays may impact access to some medicines.

Full travel advice:  Health

Public Emergencies can be declared, and curfews imposed at short notice.

• Carry relevant travel and photo identification documents with you at all times. If you don't, officials may detain you. It's illegal to cover your face in a way that prevents identification. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka. 
• The legal drinking age is 21. It is illegal to drink alcohol or smoke in public.
• Be careful when taking photos. You must not photograph or video inside High-Security Zones (HSZs). These include military sites, some government buildings and official residences. HSZs aren't always marked.
• Respect the local culture. It's illegal to mistreat Buddhist images. This includes posing for photos with Buddha statues or wearing tattoos, clothing or jewellery associated with Buddhism. Get local advice before photographing places of worship.
• Sri Lanka has conservative dress and behaviour standards. Take care not to offend. 

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You'll need a visa in the form of an  Electronic Travel Authority  to enter Sri Lanka. 
• Sri Lanka has introduced  Digital Arrival & Departure Cards , which can be completed three days prior to travel. 
• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission, embassy or consulate of Sri Lanka for the latest details.
• Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel.
• Curfews may be implemented and travel restrictions imposed at short notice.
• The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Exchange Australian dollars at the airport or commercial banks in major centres. Most major towns and cities have ATMs, but not all accept international cards. Hotels and major shops accept credit cards.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Colombo .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorism can occur anywhere  at any time.  There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously .  Terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and/or visited by tourists.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack:

• avoid crowded areas
• always be alert
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources

A terrorist attack on 21 April 2019 targeted prominent hotels and churches in the cities of Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. Over 250 people were killed, and more than 450 injured.

When you're travelling:

• carry travel and identification documents for any checkpoints
• allow additional time to clear security formalities
• be prepared to undergo increased security checks at  Bandaranaike International Airport

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka and may become violent. Tear gas and water cannons may be used.

Demonstrations can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transport. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates. 

Public emergencies can be declared, and curfews imposed at short notice. Carry relevant travel and photo identification documents with you at all times.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all protests and large public gatherings
• monitor the news for planned or possible unrest
• obey curfews and seek local advice on safety and security
• follow the instructions of security personnel

If you're detained, ask to contact the Australian High Commission (see ' Local contacts ')

Security forces are visible, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Military and police have wide-ranging powers and may:

• establish checkpoints or road closures without warning
• impose curfews
• detain people without charge for long periods
• search people, vehicles, homes or commercial premises

Authorities may apply travel restrictions for foreigners without notice.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Marked and unmarked minefields and unexploded weapons remain in some areas. Most are in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Most of the Eastern Province has been cleared but some isolated areas remain uncleared.

There are marked and unmarked minefields and unexploded weapons in the Northern Province and parts of the Eastern Province. Stay on main roads. Pay close attention to landmine warning signs.

Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime are risks. Be careful of theft in crowds and these locations:

• sporting events
• public transport
• hotels and guesthouses

Female travellers 

Women may experience unwanted attention. Sexual harassment and assault are risks. Take care in:

• areas popular with foreigners
• public buses
• 3-wheeled vehicles (tuk-tuks)

Avoid unlit areas and places away from crowds, including city streets, village lanes and beaches.

The following crimes have also been reported:

• verbal harassment
• physical advances
• drink-spiking

To protect yourself:

• keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas
• don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers
• don't leave your drinks unattended
• if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
• stick with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis

If you're a solo traveller, arrange your trip through travel agents with a good reputation. 

More information: 

• Advice for women travellers 

Scams and fraud

Scams  and fraud are a problem, such as:

• credit card fraud, including skimming
• traders overcharging foreigners for goods or services
• traders selling travellers fake goods, especially jewellery and gems

Ask your credit card provider how to prevent credit card fraud.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as water sports.

If you plan to do an  adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check operators' credentials
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Swimming safety

Swimming conditions at some beaches are unsafe, and there can be strong rips.

Lifesaving services are rare and not to the same standard as Australia.

Take appropriate precautions.

Climate and natural disasters

Sri Lanka experiences  severe weather , and occasional  tsunamis .

The monsoon season is from:

• December to March in the north-east
• May to October in the south-west

Flooding and landslides are frequent.

If a  natural disaster  occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location or carry it on you at all times (in a waterproof bag)
• keep in touch with friends and family
• consult with your tour operator about disruptions to your travel plans
• Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Travel insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive  travel insurance . 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Mental health services in Sri Lanka are limited. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)
• Managing your mental health

Medications

Import delays may impact your ability to access some medicines.

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Sri Lanka. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. Consider bringing an extra supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Dengue fever is a risk in Sri Lanka. Outbreaks of  dengue  occur in all regions of Sri Lanka.

The risk of insect-borne illnesses increases during the wetter months. This is from December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest.

If you have a fever, seek medical attention.

Refer to the  Ministry of Health's Epidemiology Unit  for the latest information on dengue cases in Sri Lanka.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases often occur, including:

• chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis

To protect yourself from disease:

• use mosquito and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis

Other health risks

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases sometimes occur, including:

• leptospirosis
• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Rabies is found in animals in Sri Lanka. Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment. Avoid dogs, monkeys and bats. Seek medical help straight away if an animal bites or scratches you. 

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical services and care in Colombo are below Australian standards. Outside of Colombo, facilities are limited, especially for emergency services.

Private hospitals will ask you to pay a deposit or prove you have insurance coverage before treating you. Public general hospitals are free for Sri Lankan nationals. Foreigners will need to pay for any treatments received at public general hospitals.

Facilities are limited for scuba-diving injuries. Sri Lanka's only operational decompression chamber is at the Sri Lanka Navy Base in Trincomalee.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs are severe and include the death penalty.

• Carrying or using drugs

Authorities may apply the death penalty for murder or rape.

The legal drinking age is 21 years.

In certain cases, Sri Lankan law permits:

• arrest without warrant
• extended detention without charge or trial
• reversal of the onus of proof

Always carry official photo ID. If you don't, authorities may detain you.

In Sri Lanka it's illegal to:

• cover your face in a way that prevents your identification
• smoke in most public places
• drink alcohol in most public places
• engage in same-sex sexual acts

You must not take photos or record video in High-Security Zones (HSZ), including:

• military establishments
• some government buildings
• official residences

Some HSZs may not be signposted.

It's illegal to mistreat Buddhist images, including:

• having your back to Buddha
• posing for a photograph next to a statue of Buddha
• wearing tattoos, jewellery or clothing associated with Buddhism

You must have legal authorisation to export certain items, such as antiquities. Contact the  Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology  for details.

• Sri Lankan Customs (Sri Lankan)
• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law

Dual citizenship

Sri Lanka recognises dual nationality.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Sri Lanka. Respect religious traditions and objects. Take care not to offend.

Respect local restrictions and observances around religious holidays.

Full moon (Poya) days are celebrated once a month. Authorities ban the sale and purchase of alcohol and fresh meat on these days.

Seek local advice before you take photos of places of worship and nearby areas. You may cause offence.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Entry and exit conditions can change. Sri Lanka has introduced  Digital Arrival & Departure Cards , which can be completed three days prior to travel. 

You need a visa, in the form of an  Electronic Travel Authority .

Tourists are unable to obtain visas on arrival. Select the correct visa category for your situation. Depending on your ETA category, you may be charged a processing fee. You will need to apply online and obtain a valid visa prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. If you engage in activities that breach your visa conditions, authorities could detain or deport you.

Contact the  High Commission of Sri Lanka  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Pay close attention to the date your visa expires. You could receive a large fine if you overstay your visa.

Yellow fever and Cholera

If you're travelling from a country with yellow fever or cholera you need to present evidence that you've received the relevant immunisations.

You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate even if you've only transited through an affected country. This rule applies for the 9 days before you enter Sri Lanka. Babies under one year old are exempt.

Border authorities and airlines may request evidence of immunisations. All travellers should carry proof of vaccination status in English.

Find out about returning to Australia  after exposure to yellow fever .

• Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 152KB)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

You can change Australian dollars for LKR at:

• the airport
• commercial banks in major centres

Most major towns and cities have ATMs. Some ATMs don't accept international cards.

You can withdraw cash from Visa and MasterCard cards at most major banks.

Hotels and major shops will accept credit cards.

Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Sri Lanka.

Check your statements, as credit card fraud and card-skimming occur.

Local travel

High security zones.

You must get approval from the Ministry of Defence to:

• meet military officials
• visit military establishments
• enter High Security Zones

Limit travel in High Security Zones and near military and government installations.

Be ready to present your approval documents at roadblocks and checkpoints.

Driving permit

To drive in Sri Lanka, you need either:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed by the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA)
• a temporary Sri Lankan driver’s licence from the  Department of Motor Traffic

To apply for a local licence, you must pay the fee and provide:

• your Australian driver’s licence
• a copy of your passport
• a copy of your Sri Lankan visa
• passport photos

If you drive without an IDP or Sri Lankan driver's licence, you may not be covered by your travel or vehicle insurance.

Road travel

Demonstrations in Sri Lanka can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transport.

Driving in Sri Lanka is hazardous. Road accident injuries and deaths are common. 

Driving standards are poor. Vehicles aren't well maintained.

If you plan to drive in Sri Lanka:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• drive carefully and legally
• don't drink and drive
• Road safety

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer if your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

If you have a local SIM card, ridesharing apps are available in major cities. However, vehicle standards vary.

Public transport

Demonstrations in Sri Lanka can lead to disruptions to public transport.

Safety standards on buses and trains may be lower than in Australia.

There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, especially on intercity buses. There have also been fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.

Take care of your belongings because theft occurs. See  Safety

• Transport and getting around safely

Piracy   occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.

Get piracy reports from the  International Maritime Bureau .

• Travelling by yacht or small craft

Commercial passenger flights are operating with regular connections to Australia. Flight schedules may change at short notice. 

Allow additional time to clear security formalities and be ready to present travel documents at checkpoints.

Curfews and other security measures could affect domestic travel, including flights.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Sri Lanka's air safety  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call (+94 11) 242 1052 or (+94 11) 242 1451 .

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Colombo.

Australian High Commission

21, Srimath R. G. Senanayake Mawatha (formerly Gregory's Road) Colombo 7, Sri Lanka Phone: (+94 11) 246 3200 Fax: (+94 11) 268 6453 Email:  [email protected] Website:  srilanka.embassy.gov.au Twitter: Australia in Sri Lanka Facebook:  Australia in Sri Lanka

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Sri Lanka?

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Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019 --> Last Updated : 2024-05-07 01:51:00

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Tue, 07 May 2024 Today's Paper

Singapore to send team to study Sri Lanka’s airport and immigration systems

6 May 2024 09:49 pm - 2     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo, May 6 (Daily Mirror) - Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said today that the Singapore government has agreed to send a five-member team to Sri Lanka to conduct a comprehensive study of the country's airport and immigration systems.

Expressing the need for Sri Lanka's immigration services to evolve, the Minister said he has requested the Singapore government to assess and provide recommendations for enhancing Sri Lanka's airport and immigration systems to match Singapore's standards.

The Singapore government has agreed to send a team to Sri Lanka on May 27, he said.

"The team will assess our systems and submit a detailed report to us," Minister Alles said.

"We all know that Singapore has the best technology compared to Europe. We may not be able to implement those levels into our system immediately due to economic challenges. However, based on the report, we can adapt some technology that we can afford," the Minister told reporters in Colombo.

  Comments - 2

Rip Winkle Monday, 06 May 2024 10:05 PM

Someone seems hellbent on having the 'On arrival' visa department outsourced, eh mates?

Reply 0       0 0       0 -->

Potta Harry Monday, 06 May 2024 10:41 PM

Singaporeans usually do not bribe.

Add comment Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes: 

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks 
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

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Before travelling. Requirements.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it’s important to know the travel requirements before you go. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your journey:

COVID-19 Requirements

• Visa Requirements
• Health Insurance

Culture and Etiquette

In December 2022, the Government of Sri Lanka announced that travellers are no longer required to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates on arrival in Sri Lanka. Pre-departure COVID-19 tests are also no longer required before arrival.

On 17 June, the Government of Sri Lanka announced that COVID-19 travel insurance is no longer mandatory for all visitors. However, it is important to ensure you take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel abroad.

Visa requirements

Passport validity.

If you are visiting Sri Lanka, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

All visitors are advised to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Further information on eligibility is available on the Department of Immigration and Emigration website .

Visitors can apply for an ETA on the ETA website .

On arrival visa facilities are available, however applying for an ETA before travel is advised for ease of travel and to prevent delays on arrival.

All visitors need to comply with the guidelines imposed for tourists by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa you could be fined or detained by the police.

Health insurance

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance before you leave. Travel insurance can provide you with a wide range of coverage options that can help protect you financially in the event of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. This can include things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, but like any other country, it is not immune to accidents and emergencies. Medical treatment abroad can be expensive no matter how rich your destination is, and having travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of unexpected illness or injury.

Additionally, travel insurance can provide you with protection against trip cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather or personal emergencies. By purchasing travel insurance, you can ensure that you are financially protected and can fully enjoy your trip to Sri Lanka without worry.

The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) . The rupee is divided into 100 cents.

You will get approximately 325 LKR for 1 USD, or 389 for 1 GBP . The exchange rate will vary da by day.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and money changers in Sri Lanka. Many hotels and tourist destinations also offer currency exchange services, but these may not offer the best exchange rates. It is important to note that it is illegal to change money with unlicensed money changers, and doing so can result in steep fines or even imprisonment.

Credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case of emergencies.

ATMs are also widely available in Sri Lanka, especially in urban areas, and they accept most major debit and credit cards. However, it is always advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans before departing to ensure that your cards will work abroad and to avoid any unexpected issues.

In Sri Lanka, etiquette plays a significant role in their daily lives. Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality and politeness, so it’s essential to follow their customs and traditions to show respect to their culture. One of the essential etiquettes is the dress code. Sri Lankans have conservative values, and it’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending formal events. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not recommended in these places.

Another etiquette in Sri Lanka is the greeting. It’s customary to greet people with a smile and a slight bow of the head. Handshakes are acceptable, but it’s better to wait for the other person to initiate it. When addressing people, it’s polite to use their title and surname, especially in formal settings. It’s also customary to use honorifics such as “sir” or “madam” when speaking to older people or those in positions of authority.

In Sri Lanka, it’s important to show respect to elders and those in authority. It’s customary to stand up when an elder or a person in authority enters the room as a sign of respect. When eating, it’s important to use the right hand to handle food as the left hand is considered unclean. Additionally, it’s considered impolite to point your feet towards someone as it’s seen as a sign of disrespect. These etiquettes are essential in Sri Lanka, and it’s important to observe them to show respect to the local culture.

Passport Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) ETA travel authorization USD, GBP or EUR cash for exchange

Sri Lanka. The Amazing.

Our team consists of experienced travel consultants, tour guides, and customer support specialists who have extensive knowledge about Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and tourism industry. We believe in providing our clients with a unique travel experience that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. We offer a range of travel services, including customized tour packages, hotel bookings, transportation arrangements, and local experiences.

We understand that traveling can be overwhelming, especially when visiting a foreign country. That is why we provide 24/7 customer support to our clients, ensuring that they have a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns our clients may have during their stay in Sri Lanka.

At visitlk.com, we are passionate about showcasing the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka. Whether you are a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, we are here to make your journey to Sri Lanka unforgettable. Join us on a journey of discovery and exploration in this magical island paradise.

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